San Jose in Occidental Mindoro is not known for its tourist spots. For visitors, it’s mainly a transit point to Sablayan a few hours up north. But it does have its own attractions which can be done in two days. Instead of going to the islands, I stuck to the land for a one day trip.

First off, I was offered a ride to the Tamaraw Gene Pool Farm at Manoot, Rizal. Although it is not part of San Jose, the capital, it is accessed through it. Along the way, at the municipality of Magsaysay is a spectacular rock formation, Hagdanan Peak (I was told that it is entirely a rock, like Ayer’s Rock in Australia).

It has jagged peaks that at the back of my mind, I was thinking of it as the devil’s fingers as some portions are like disfigured digits rising up or a cock’s comb. At certain times of the day when the sun is strong, the ocher hue is so strong that it looks like it is on fire!

Bubalus mindoroensis, the tamaraw

It was a rather long ride to the Tamaraw Gene Pool Farm with many portions of the road dusty and unpaved that it took us more than an hour to reach this place. Here, only two adults are left and segregated in different wide pens. Despite the distance, seeing this Mindoro endemic species is worth it as it’s quite rare and very much endangered. Wild population can still be seen in Mts. Iglit – Baco, north of the farm but it takes more than a day to reach.

Kuta, the ruins of a Spanish watchtower in Mangarin

The ruins of a church in Mapaya. CLICK TO ENLARGE

The barangays of Mangarin and Mapaya are one of the sleepy small towns of the provincial capital but, the former, was the original town center before it was transferred to present day San Jose.

In its heyday, it was an enclave of Chinese merchants and natives where trade was strong. These two towns are the locations of spanish colonial era structures that are now in ruins.

At the former is the Kuta, ruins of a watchtower similar to those found in Cebu. Mindoro was, unfortunately, one of those islands hardly devastated by the Muslim slave raids in the middle of the 18th to the middle of the 19th centuries. In Barangay Mapaya, at the middle of a field, is the ruins of a small church.

The salt beds of Mangarin

After the natural and historic sites, a visit to the many salt beds of San Jose can be a relaxing experience. The province is one of the major producer of the product and Mangarin, has their share of salt production too. The place I visited wasn’t that extensive compared to those found at the other salt beds but it does give one an idea of how this mineral is being produced the traditional way.

In upcoming posts, I will detail some of the areas featured here. My gratitude to Ms. Cynthia Cajayon Tuason, OIC, San Jose Tourism Office for providing assistance.

Estan Cabigas is freelance photographer, blogger and writer based in Makati City, the Philippines. A true blue Cebuano, he makes stunning images and meaningful photo stories. His work has been published in local and international publications including National Geographic Magazine, Geo (Germany), Sunday Times Magazine (London) and other publications.
He is also a peripatetic traveler and has traveled to all 81 Philippines provinces.
I'm open for work, collaborations and inquiries, including hotel, restaurant and site features and reviews.

i never knew San Jose could offer so much more. I thought it’s just the destination if you’re taking a flight on your way to Pandan! This will come handy when i plan a trip to Pandan soon! Thanks for sharing, sir!

[…] Blogger: Estan Where he went within 24 hours: San Jose, Occidental Mindoro What he did: What can be done in two days, he did in a single day trip. Estan uncovers what to do in San Jose. Wait, did I just read that you rode a tamaraw? Better read that part again.. Blog: Langyaw Post: San Jose, Occidental Mindoro in a Day […]

There are so many beautiful places in Mindoro. I’ve been to PG countless times but I haven’t had the chance to go to San Jose. Hopefully I can go this year 😀

cindy
March 19, 2011 @
21:37

Thanks for the write up Estan. I am inviting everyone for our fiesta celebration starting April 24 till May 2. Our street dancing competition will be held on the 26th with 23 participating groups. Hope to see you!

cindy
March 19, 2011 @
21:46

@pinaysolobacker: Please come to San Jose. Only an hour ride by airplane and will cost you P1,000.00, more or less. depending on the date. Just drop by our tourism office and we will assist you, anytime. thanks.

hey, how did you get to the tamaraw gene pool? did you rent a car and hire a guide? im planning to go there tommorow and i don’t have arrangement yet on how to go there. could you share with me your contact? will appreciate it much, thanks!

hi, i would like to know the nearest and best resort we could stay yet “affordable” from San Jose Airport, we want to maximize our short stay in the place, we only have 3 days and 2 nights, leaving early morning on the 3rd day, early flight back to mla. Its our first time to visit San Jose Mindoro. We want to experience island hopping and water activity as possible on our short stay.
Thank you and excited to be in San Jose Mindoro this May.

Jose
April 16, 2012 @
12:30

Closest places to airport are White House Beach Resort and Sikatuna Beach Hotel (3-5 minutes). You can find White House on facebook or Sikatuna at their website for rates.

estancabigas
May 2, 2012 @
20:05

@fidel, i was offered a vehicle by the local tourism

Paula O
January 11, 2013 @
21:14

I’d like to visit this town. Im yearning that provincial, ladi-back life most provincial towns near the metro now lack!

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